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Doggy position

Doggy position is a colloquial sexual position in which one partner is positioned on hands and knees, bent over, or lying face down while the other partner enters from behind.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Doggy position is a colloquial sexual position in which one partner is positioned on hands and knees, bent over, or lying face down while the other partner enters from behind. It is commonly described as a rear-entry position and may be used for vaginal, anal, or other sexual activity. The term is treated as slang or colloquial usage in dictionaries and reference works.

Definition

Doggy position is defined as a sexual position in which one partner is positioned on all fours, bent over, or lying on their abdomen while the other partner engages from behind.

Terminology

The phrase is commonly treated as slang and is also called doggy style or rear-entry intercourse.

Variations

Sources describe several variants, including kneeling, standing, bent-over, or prone forms, with possible use in vaginal, anal, or non-penetrative sexual activity.

Usage in sexual health resources

Popular and sexual-health references present doggy position as a common adult sex position and note that partners can modify it for comfort and preference.

Key facts

  • Doggy position refers to a sex position where one partner is entered from behind.
  • The receiving partner is commonly on hands and knees, though bent-over and prone variations are also described.
  • The term is treated as slang or colloquial usage in dictionaries and reference works.
  • The position may be used for vaginal or anal penetration, and some sources include non-penetrative sex in the definition.
  • It is also described as a rear-entry position, distinct from face-to-face positions such as missionary.

Frequently asked questions

What is doggy position?
It is a sexual position in which one partner is positioned on hands and knees, bent over, or face down while the other partner enters from behind.
Is doggy position the same as doggy style?
Yes. The terms are used interchangeably in common reference sources.
Is doggy position only for intercourse?
No. Some sources include other forms of sexual penetration and non-penetrative sex in the definition.
Why is it called doggy style?
Reference sources commonly link the term to the rear-facing posture and to resemblance to animal mating behavior.
Is it considered slang?
Yes. Dictionary and wiki-style entries classify it as slang or colloquial usage.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doggy_style
    Supports: General definition; rear-entry classification; variations; non-penetrative use.
  2. WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-doggy-style
    Supports: Definition; partner positions; rear-entry description; possible variations.
  3. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/doggy-style
    Supports: Dictionary definition; slang usage; one partner on all fours and other behind.
  4. Wiktionary — https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/doggy_style
    Supports: Slang classification and basic definition.
  5. Collins Dictionary — https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/doggy-style
    Supports: Dictionary definition of the term as a sexual position from behind.